November 2018

Celebrating Culture & Family

Theme for Silicon Valley Reads 2019 and Three Selected Books Announced

Finding identity in family history focus

Silicon Valley Reads is a collaborative, county-wide program designed to engage entire communities in conversation around a single theme. The journey of discovery about one’s own family history and heritage is the focus of Silicon Valley Reads 2019. Finding Samuel Lowe by Paula Madison, It's All Relative by A.J. Jacobs, and The Stranger in my Genes by Bill Griffeth are the selected titles and featured authors.

Madison isa nationally honored journalist and retired NBC executive. In her book Finding Samuel Lowe, she describes growing up in Harlem and feeling that her family was somehow different from the African-American families around her. Her quest to learn more about her mother’s roots in Jamaica leads to the discovery of a Chinese grandfather and eventually reconnection with 300 long-lost relatives in China.

Jacobs is a best-selling author and immersion journalist who chronicles his three-year adventure to help build the biggest family tree in history, starting with his own 80,000+ “cousins” identified in a genealogy database.

Griffeth is the co-anchor of “Nightly Business Report” produced by CNBC and writes about how he was shaken to the core when he discovered through a DNA test that the family tree he had spent years researching was not his own.

The California Library Association is honoring SCCLD County Librarian Nancy Howe with the Zoia Horn Award for Intellectual Freedom, which goes to individuals who have made significant contributions to advance intellectual freedom and help preserve free speech in an open society. The award honors the memory of Zoia Horn, a California librarian who in 1972 chose to serve jail time rather than betray confidential information. The California Library Association’s award recognizes Howe’s work with SCCLD to ensure that library patrons have equal access to quality, unbiased resources and their personal information and privacy are protected.

In 2017, when the grant qualifications changed requiring English as a Second Language (ESL) participants to provide Social Security information, Howe declined to renew the grant and enforce the requirement, concerned about the effect on an already vulnerable population. Upon learning of the loss of funding and recognizing the importance of ESL programs, the Santa Clara County Executive and Board of Supervisors stepped in to provide funding through the year 2020.

Healthy Eating Workshops for Diabetes Awareness Month

Around half of Santa Clara County adults are estimated to have prediabetes, meaning that without proper eating and exercise habits, they are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Most people at risk are unaware of their status. The good news is that there are steps you can take to improve your health and reduce your risk.

Our libraries are teaming up with the County Department of Public Health to offer classes about how to prevent type 2 diabetes, and for those with the condition, learn to manage their blood sugar. Diabetes workshops will be run by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Pay Tribute to our Service Men and Women this Veterans Day

Veterans and their families can use their library card to access an array of services

Transitioning out of the military can be hard, whether you’re finishing your first enlistment obligation or retiring after a full military career. The library is here to help! We offer live online assistance for veterans and their families through a service called VetNow. Take advantage of a wide variety of resources. Live one-on-one tutors are available Monday – Sunday from 1-10 pm PDT.

Connect with a live tutor to help navigate your eligible VA benefits, including housing & health care assistance, as well as academic support to help transition you from a military career to a civilian career.

Choose online skill building lessons in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, and a wide range of practice tests to master high school equivalency tests, college entrance exams, career prep, nursing school exams, Praxis, ASVAB, GRE, ESL, and more.

Get help with live job coaching, resume building, and translating military skills and experiences into civilian occupations. Identify your technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills with the help of an expert.

Students at Multiple Santa Clara County School Districts using Library eAccounts

Digital accounts allow students to access the online library 24/7

SCCLD is helping local students excel in school through a combined effort with multiple school districts to offer every student a digital library card, or “eAccount.” The eAccounts provide students with access from home, school, or anywhere with an internet connection to resources for studying, research, reports, homework help, test preparation, and of course, relaxing.

During the last fiscal year, which ended on June 30, over 20,000 student eAccounts were created for Campbell Union, Saratoga Union, Saratoga High and Milpitas Unified (K-12) school districts. Since then, SCCLD has added Cupertino Union, Gilroy Unified and Morgan Hill Unified, as well as an update for Saratoga Union School District. In the next two months, SCCLD will add Los Altos School District (K-8).

The student eAccounts provide anytime access to the online library for 8 out of the 13 school districts we serve, with more coming soon! Students have their own access portal to their eAccounts with key features and popular content highlighted. And, of course, students can add traditional account access at any SCCLD library to check items out from the library.

Calendar of November Events

Major happenings this month at each SCCLD location

November is a time for family, culture, and holidays starting with the Día de los Muertos on the 1st, Diwali on the 7th, and Thanksgiving on the 22nd, just to name a few. It’s also Native American Heritage Month. With Daylight Savings time taking effect on the 4th, the nights get longer, but that’s more time to get together with your loved ones, read a good book or come to one of our afternoon or evening events.

NOVEMBER 2018 EVENTS (HIGHLIGHTS)

** NOTE ALL LIBRARIES WILL BE CLOSED NOVEMBER 11 & 12 FOR VETERANS DAY WEEKEND AND NOVEMBER 22 & 23 FOR THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY**

CAMPBELL (77 Harrison Avenue, Campbell 95008)

Medicare: Getting Started and Changes for 2019Wednesday, November 7, 1:30 – 3 pm, Community Room – Lower Level
Learn how to get started with Medicare and about upcoming changes to the program. After the presentations, HICAP counselors will answer questions and help participants enroll.

Family Movies: Incredibles 2 Saturday, November 24, 2 – 4 pm, Community Room, Lower Level
Watch a great movie in our large screen.

Healthy Eating to Prevent and Manage Prediabetes and Type 2 DiabetesWednesday, November 28, 2 – 4 pm, Community Room – Lower LevelLearn about ways to reduce your risk of developing diabetes. A Public Health Registered Dietician Nutritionist will be on hand to talk about how to stay at a healthy weight, develop healthy eating habits, and to be more active.

CUPERTINO (10800 Torre Avenue, Cupertino 95014)

Medicare: Getting Started and Changes for 2019Tuesday, November 6, 1 – 3 pm, Story Room
Learn how to get started with Medicare and about upcoming changes to the program. After the presentations, HICAP counselors will answer questions and help participants enroll.

Fairytale Mystery (for 4th to 8th graders)Wednesday, November 7, 4 – 5 pm, Community Hall
A series of unfortunate events has occurred in Fairyland and it’s up to you and your friends to discover what happened and who did it. Registration required. Sign up at the Children’s Reference Desk.

California Native Plant Society: Propagating Native Plants in Time for Spring Thursday, November 8, 7 – 8:30 pm, Community Hall
Fall rains are about to start and now is the time that native seeds sprout and plants grow underground. Hear about different methods to help your garden bloom in the spring.

Firebird Youth Orchestra ConcertSaturday, November 10, 4 – 5:30 pm, Community Hall
Local favorites perform once more. American born Chinese musicians ages 7 to 18, the Orchestra has toured both in the U.S. and China. They play authentic Chinese instruments.

Building your Extra Curricular Story Workshop (with Synocate)Wednesday, November 14, 7 – 8:30 pm, Story Room
Learn about how to best plan your college visits.

Lunch Hour Language Artists: The Art of Recklessness Thursday, November 15, 12 – 1:30 pm, Story Room
Join Cupertino Poet Laureate Kaecey McCormick in this workshop as we play with risk taking and recklessness in poetry. Participants will explore a different aspect of adventurous poetry writing at each session through a mini lesson and writing workshop.

Family Game DayWednesday, November 21, 11 am – 5 pm, Children’s Room
Enjoy your favorite board games. Mini golf course opens at noon. Bingo for kids at 3 pm in Community Hall. Sponsored by the Friends of the Cupertino Library.

GILROY (350 W. Sixth Street, Gilroy 95020)

Disaster Preparedness Workshop Wednesday, November 7, 7 – 8:30 pm, Computer Training Lab
Do you know what to do in the case of a fire, flood or earthquake? This workshop will help you be prepared in the event of a disaster or emergency, including creating a disaster kit.

Social Security 101Saturday, November 10, 11 am – 12 pm, Community Room
Questions about when you are eligible to receive retirement benefits or how early retirement will affect your benefits? Do you quality for disability, survivors, or spouse benefits? The answers to these and more questions are here.

Medicare: Getting Started and Changes for 2019Thursday, November 15, 10 – 11:30 am, Computer Training Lab
Learn how to get started with Medicare and about upcoming changes to the program. After the presentations, HICAP counselors will answer questions and help participants enroll.

LOS ALTOS (13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos 94022)

Apron DecoratingTuesday, November 6, 7 – 8:30 pm, Orchard Room
Prepare for a food-filled holiday season by making “foodie” aprons that are decorated using fruits and vegetables. Paint dipped foods will create unique designs to stamp on your apron.

Investment SeriesThursday, November 8, 6 – 8 pm, Auditorium
With 15,000 Baby Boomers expected to retire every day for the next 15 years, many Americans are thinking about what they will do when they stop working. Arvind Ven, independent financial adviser, will help attendees better understand topics such as social security income, retirement income streams, and the impact of taxation.

Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors”Saturday, November 10, 2 – 3 pm, Auditorium
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival presents a rollicking tale of chaos and confusion caused by two sets of twins. One of The Bard’s best-loved comedies is filled with verbal wit and slapstick. Healthy Eating to Prevent and Manage Prediabetes and

Type 2 DiabetesThursday, November 15, 7 – 8:30 pm, Auditorium
Learn about ways to reduce your risk of developing diabetes. A Public Health Registered Dietician Nutritionist will be on hand to talk about how to stay at a healthy weight, develop healthy eating habits, and to be more active.

Lantern MakingWednesday, November 28, 4 – 5 pm, Children’s Activity Room
School age children (K-8th) are invited to set their imaginations aglow by making soda bottle lanterns. Bring your own two-liter plastic bottles and we will provide all of the decorating materials.

MORGAN HILL (660 W. Main Avenue, Morgan Hill 95037)

Winter Fruit Tree Care & SelectionMonday, November 5, 7 – 8:30 pm, Program Room
Learn about common diseases and insect pests that afflict trees and what to do about them. Basic principles of pruning will also be discussed. Presented by Master Gardener Joan Cloutier.

Coding for Kids: Create Interactive Games with PythonFriday, November 9, 4:30 – 5:30 pm, Program Room
Python is an easy to learn and intuitive programming language. Create a fully functional Guess the Number game. Instructions will be provided so that participants can continue to work on their game at home.

Reading BuddiesWednesday, November 14, 3 – 4:20 pm (20 minute slots), Program Room
Buddy up with a furry friend and practice reading aloud to a therapy animal. For children in grades 1 to 4. Sign up online to guarantee a timeslot. Make sure to be on time please!

6th Grade Battle of the BooksSaturday, November 17, 12 – 4 pm, Community Room
Teams of 6th graders will read 7 pre-selected books and compete in multiple choice, fill in the blank and on-the-spot questions to determine the champions. Grand prize will be $100 for the winning team. Friends and families are welcome to watch. Must register by November 9 at the Information Desk in the Children’s Room.

CoderDojo Coding Club Sunday, November 18, 1:30 – 3:30 pm, Community Room
Open learning environment featuring a different coding language at each table. Bring a project or start something new. Adult mentors available for assistance. Open to students ages 11-17.

Don’t forget that Tuesday, November 6 is General Election Day. All of our libraries have 24-hour drop-off boxes for your mail-in ballots outside. A few of our sites are even acting as polling places. If you prefer to vote in person, find out where your polling place is and the answer to any other voting-related questions you may have from the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters.